Large Neighborhood Turnout at the Community Workshop
With over 150 people coming to the workshop and over 160 petition signatures, Laurel Park expressed its concern with the proposal by Benderson Development to change the land-use classification for a portion of our neighborhood. While being respectful, neighbors expressed their concern about the proposal. Long-time residents described the years of effort to create the specific protections that keep Laurel Park from being consumed by downtown. Others delved into the implications that would result from a change in land-use.
Overall, the community voiced their strong opposition to the application, which Benderson heard clearly. Rather than barreling forward, the developer is taking a pause to bring in an architect to see if there is a solution that fits their goals while maintaining Laurel Park’s designation.
The importance of the turnout of an informed engaged community cannot be overstated. if this application moves forward, it will be up to the city commission to approve the reclassification. In other words, it’s a political decision so the public’s voice truly matters.
Noticed by the press
The workshop also got the attention of the press. Here are several noteworthy stories:
- Sarasota Herald Tribune – Skeptical residents pack house as developer talks about plans for Sarasota’s Laurel Park
- Sarasota Observer – Laurel Park calls Benderson plans for county building an ‘incursion’
- WSLR – BENDERSON DEVELOPMENT BRINGS AMBIGUOUS LAND USE PLAN TO LAUREL PARK, RESIDENTS PUSH BACK
Video recording of the workshop
For those who were unable to attend the workshop, you can watch the recording on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6_hnXP7mr40